Riding lessons are mainly about developing balance and confidence on the horse.  Your child learns how to tell Rainy to walk, trot (when
they are ready), and stop.   The saddle has a comfortable “grab handle” which is easy for kids to find.
Children also learn about grooming, picking hooves clean, and parts of the bridle and saddle.
I have been equally amazed to see a child’s confidence grow over a period of weekly lessons, as I have to see how much my horse Rainy loves these kids.  One day a particular student and …

Trainer Wes Licht introduces Ranger to COWS! Summer, 2008.

Here are videos that show some of my training with Ranger, a Morab Gelding whose  recognized daddy is Windmere Royal Topaz.  In this photo he’s being ridden by my recognized daddy, trainer Wes Licht.   Three years ago I trained Ranger to ride and drive. I am so blessed to work with him again for a few months as  a “tune-up” in preparation for him to find a good sale home or as a lease to the right person.
In addition to …

Hi, this is a note to tell you about the upcoming clinic I’ll be giving at the end of August.   Please write in the comments box or call me with questions at (608)215-5200 – Sara Licht

What: A Clinic where you can bring your specific training questions or behavioral issues and get practical solutions.  I will be working with a few horses at the clinic and explaining it as I work.  There will a period of demonstration about some basics that you can learn to improve your relationship and safety with …

Rainy and I have both been working on our individual art styles and methods.  Below are some of her paintings and a video clip of her at work.  I used the clicker training method to encourage her to free up her artistic inclinations.
This is a video clip taken while Rainy ………..and I were in Florida at Valhalla Farm this winter.  Rainy is practicing painting on her new easel, and HANDING me the paintbrush when she is through (instead of just dropping it on the ground or sometimes sending it flying …

When I met Stacey Westfall last year at the Midwest Horse Fair, she told me that her most valuable exercise was the clover-leaf cones pattern, and she explained it to me.
  I began using it and have found it valuable on many levels.  I use the repetition of the same directional turns to teach green horses to move away from the leg.  They learn quickly with this exercise, and it’s fun for me too.
After my horse worked at the trot and in nice balanced turns with this drill,  I noticed …

his video is a short explanation of one way I teach a horse to stand still for mounting and mounting preparation.  I will climb up on the roundpen fence and can support myself there while waving one leg over the horse’s back, and even giving him some weight on his back, without risking my well-being.  If he gets upset, I’m still supporting myself with the fence.  Then just go back to a place where he was getting some success and reward that place, until his confidence grows (treats speed this …

(Article by Sara Licht for the Wisconsin Horsemen’s News)

When I was 12 years old, I would often have dreams at night where my horse Tootsie and I could talk telepathically and understand each other as clearly as you and I do in normal conversation. Alas, our level of communication in waking hours left much to be desired. I did the best I knew at the time; however we were both often frustrated. I loved her and believe she loved me, yet my dreams revealed a desire for a deeper …

These 5 videos below will show some of the timing and methods I used to help this horse learn some beginning groundwork:
This young Quarter Horse was tamed in a few days by my friend and dressage trainer Meghan Kavanah, who brought him from having no interest in people whatsoever, to haltering, beginning leading, and developing a good curiosity for human interaction.   I only had one session with him as I was on my way back to Wisconsin, and I didn’t want to break his trust and confuse him, so you’ll …

My miniature horse, Rowdy, is now driving and loving all the extra attention.  Bring your kids out to visit Rowdy for some hands-on experience with my adorable three-foot tall horse.
Your child and their friends can pet Rowdy, groom him, decorate his mane and tail, practice leading, and learn the basics about caring for a horse. Rowdy will demonstrate how he wears his miniature harness, puts on a bridle, and then will give rides in his easy entry cart.   We practice wearing safety helmets, so bring your child’s bicycle or riding helmet, or let me know if you need …

My horse Rainy has long mane that I don’t want to pull or shorten  just for a driving show or riding class.  At the Midwest Horse Fair  I did a version of what the trainers at Valhalla call “puffy braids.”
I braided the entire job while allowing my horse to have her head down and nibble hay.  That made her enjoy our time together and we were both relaxed!
How to braid “Comfy Braids” for long mane:
Begin at your horse’s bridal path and braid ~4 inch sections down into straight braids.  Do not make them …